Hair product carrying case

ABSTRACT

A hair product carrying case including a container having a base portion, front side portion, back side portion, top side portion, and a bottom side portion. A lid is pivotally engaged to the container, and a cavity is formed within the base portion, the front side portion, the backside portion, the top side portion, and the bottom side portion of the container. A tray is disposed within the cavity adapted for use in storing a hair product and the hair product is in a form selected from the group consisting of a viscous emulsion, a viscous colloid, or a gel. A comb is selectively secured within the container.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION

The current application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/263,506, filed on Sep. 13, 2016 and titled “Hair Product Carrying Case.”.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of containers adapted for use with cosmetic treatments, more specifically, a container combined with another object.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The hair product carrying case is a multifunctional apparatus that is adapted for use in storing a hair product. The hair product carrying case stores the hair product in a form selected from the group consisting of a viscous emulsion, a viscous colloid, or a gel. The hair product carrying case comprises a container, a spatula, a key chain and a key ring. The hair product carrying case is carried via the user. The hair product is stored within the container. The hair product is dosed as needed with the spatula. The hair product is secured by the key ring to a hand carried item such a luggage or a domestic article such that the hair product carrying case is readily available during travel.

These together with additional objects, features and advantages of the hair product carrying case will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the following detailed description of the presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiments when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

In this respect, before explaining the current embodiments of the hair product carrying case in detail, it is to be understood that the hair product carrying case is not limited in its applications to the details of construction and arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustration. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the concept of this disclosure may be readily utilized as a basis for the design of other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the hair product carrying case.

It is therefore important that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent construction insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the hair product carrying case. It is also to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a hair product carrying case including a container having a base portion, front side portion, back side portion, top side portion, and a bottom side portion. A lid is pivotally engaged to the container, and a cavity is formed within the base portion, the front side portion, the back side portion, the top side portion, and the bottom side portion of the container. A tray is disposed within the cavity adapted for use in storing a hair product and the hair product is in a form selected from the group consisting of a viscous emulsion, a viscous colloid, or a gel. A comb is selectively secured within the container.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the hair product carrying case includes a tray that is removable.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the hair product carrying case includes a slot is disposed on an exterior portion of the front side portion of the container for receiving the comb.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the hair product carrying case includes a container having a base portion, front side portion, back side portion, top side portion, and a bottom side portion, wherein the front side portion, back side portion, top side portion, and bottom side portion extend to an upper edge. A lid is pivotally engaged by a hinge to the upper edge of the back side portion of the container. A cavity is formed within the base portion, the front side portion, the back side portion, the top side portion, and the bottom side portion of the container, and a tray is disposed within the cavity adapted for use in storing a hair product and the hair product is in a form selected from the group consisting of a viscous emulsion, a viscous colloid, or a gel. A comb is selectively secured within the container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. They are meant to be exemplary illustrations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to practice the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a top view of an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the disclosure across 5-5 as shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the disclosure across 6-6 as shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the disclosure across 6-6 as shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is a detail view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the top side of an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the bottom side of the alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a side view of the alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a side view of the alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a side perspective view of the lid in the open position of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is another side perspective view of the present invention in the open position;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the liner; and

FIG. 17 is another perspective view of the present invention in the open position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the invention taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Any and all patents and other publications identified in this specification are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.

Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments of the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to practice the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description.

Detailed reference will now be made to one or more potential embodiments of the disclosure, which are illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 8. The hair product carrying case 100 (hereinafter invention) comprises a container 101, a spatula 102, a key chain 103 and a key ring 104. The invention 100 is a multifunctional apparatus that is adapted for use in storing a hair product 131. The hair product 131 is in a form selected from the group consisting of a viscous emulsion, a viscous colloid, or a gel. The hair product 131 is stored within the container 101. The hair product 131 is dosed as needed with the spatula 102. The container 101 is secured by the key ring 104 to a hand carried item such a luggage or a domestic article such that the invention 100 is readily available during travel. In an alternate embodiment of the disclosure, the spatula 102 further comprises a comb 122.

The container 101 further comprises a chamber 111, a lid 112, a slot 113, and a pivot 114. The slot 113 is formed in the chamber 111. The pivot 114 attaches the lid 112 to the chamber 111. The chamber 111 is a hollow rectangular block structure that is further formed with an open face 151. The open face 151 offers access to the hollow interior of the hollow rectangular block structure such that the hair product 131 can be stored within the chamber 111. The slot 113 is a cavity formed within a first wall of the chamber 111. The slot 113 is sized to receive and store the spatula 102 when the spatula 102 is not in use. The lid 112 is a plate that encloses the hollow interior of the chamber 111 when the hair product 131 is not in use. The lid 112 is sized such that the perimeter of the lid 112 is congruent to the perimeter of the open face 151 such that the lid 112 will enclose the open face 151.

The chamber 111 further comprises a chamber pivot hole 117. As shown most clearly in FIGS. 3 and 7, the chamber pivot hole 117 is a cylindrical aperture that is formed through the chamber 111 from the surface of the chamber 111 comprising the open face 151 to the surface of the chamber 111 that is distal from the open face 151. The lid 112 further comprises a lid pivot hole 118. The lid pivot hole 118 is a cylindrical aperture that is formed through the lid 112. The lid pivot hole 118 is positioned on the lid 112 such that when the lid 112 is aligned with the open face 151 of the chamber 111, the center axis of the lid pivot hole 118 aligns with the center axis of the chamber pivot hole 117. The diameter of the lid pivot hole 118 is the same as the diameter of chamber pivot hole 117. The pivot 114 attaches the lid 112 to the chamber 111. The pivot 114 is a first cylindrical shaft. The diameter of the first cylindrical shaft is sized such that the pivot 114 can be inserted through the chamber pivot hole 117 and the lid pivot hole 118 such that the center axis of the pivot 114 aligns with the center axis of the chamber pivot hole 117 and the center axis of the lid pivot hole 118. The pivot 114 is inserted through the chamber pivot hole 117 and the lid pivot hole 118 such that the lid 112 will open and close the chamber 111 by rotating around the pivot 114 using the center axis of the pivot 114 as the center of rotation.

In the first potential embodiment of the disclosure, the pivot 114 comprises a rivet 115. The rivet 115 is further defined with a first end 141 and a second end 142. The first end 141 is the head of the rivet 115. The second end 142 is the tail of the rivet 115. As shown most clearly in FIG. 7, the rivet 115 is inserted through the chamber pivot hole 117 and the lid pivot hole 118 such that the first end 141 of the rivet 115 rests against the lid 112. The second end 142 is then bucked normally to secure the rivet 115 to the container 101.

In a second potential embodiment of the disclosure, the pivot 114 further comprises a spring lock 116. The spring lock 116 further comprises a compression spring 161, a detent device 162, and a shaft 163. The shaft 163 is a second cylindrical shaft. The shaft 163 is further defined with a first end 141 and a second end 142. The compression spring 161 is a commercially available coil compression spring 161 that stores energy when placed under compression. The compression spring 161 is sized to: 1) fit within the chamber pivot hole 117 and the lid pivot hole 118; and 2) to fit around the shaft 163. The detent device 162 comprises a plurality of shaft plates 164 and a plurality of chamber plates 165. The plurality of shaft plates 164 are structures that are formed on the shaft 163. The plurality of chamber plates 165 are structures that are formed within the chamber pivot hole 117.

As shown most clearly in FIG. 8, the shaft 163 is inserted through the compression spring 161 and then inserted through the chamber pivot hole 117 and the lid pivot hole 118. The lid 112 is secured 166 to the shaft 163. When the compression spring 161 is in a relaxed position, the plurality of shaft plates 164 and the plurality of chamber plates 165 interact such that the shaft 163 and the lid 112 cannot rotate around the center of rotation. When the first end 141 is pressed such that the compression spring 161 is compressed, the plurality of shaft plates 164 move away from the plurality of chamber plates 165 such that the lid 112 and the shaft 163 are able to rotate around the center of rotation. Once the first end 141 is released, the lid 112 is again locked into position.

The spatula 102 is a bladed structure that is designed to add and remove the hair product 131 into and out of the chamber 111. The spatula 102 is further defined with a length 121. As shown most clearly in FIGS. 4 and 5, the spatula 102 is stored within the slot 113 of the chamber 111. The span of the length 121 of the spatula 102 is longer that the slot 113 such that the end of the spatula 102 is accessible to insert and remove the spatula 102 from the slot 113. The spatula 102 further comprises an anchor point 123. The anchor point 123 is a first loop that is formed on the end of the spatula 102 that projects beyond the slot 113. The purpose of anchor point 123 is to provide an attachment location for the key chain 103. The key chain 103 is discussed in detail elsewhere in this disclosure. In a third potential embodiment of the disclosure, the spatula 102 is further formed with a plurality of diastema that are positioned to form a plurality of prongs within the spatula 102. This plurality of prongs form the teeth 124 of a comb 122 which can be further used for straightening and detangling hair.

The key chain 103 is a tether that is further defined with a third end 143 and a fourth end 144. The third end 143 of the key chain 103 is attached to the anchor point 123. The key ring 104 is a second loop that is attached to the fourth end 144 of the key chain 103. The key ring 104 is used as an attachment point for externally provided devices including, but not limited to, carabiners. The purpose of the key ring 104 is to attach the key chain 103 to a domestic article or item of luggage such that the invention 100 will not be lost.

In another alternative embodiment as illustrated in FIGS. 9-17, the hair product carrying case is indicated by reference numeral 200. The carrying case 200 includes a container 201, as shown in FIGS. 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13, that has a base portion, a front side portion, a backside portion, a top side portion, and a bottom side portion. The front side portion, the backside portion, the top side portion, and the bottom side portion extend upwardly from the base to an upper edge. A lid 212 is pivotally engaged to the container 201. The lid 212 has a top side, a bottom side, two side portions, and two end portions. One of the side portions of the lid 212 is pivotally connected to the upper edge of the backside portion of the container 201. The lid 212 is pivotally connected to the upper edge of the backside portion of the container 201 by a hinge.

The exterior side of the front side portion of the container 201 contains a slot 213. The opening to the slot 213 is positioned on the exterior side of the front side portion of the container 201 and extends within the interior of the container forming a pocket therein for receiving and selectively securing a comb 222. The comb 222 has a top portion with a plurality of downwardly extending fingers. The fingers of the comb 222 are inserted into the slot 213 first and pushed within the slot 213 by the user. Once the comb 222 is inserted into the slot 240 and retained within the pocket, the only portion of the comb visible is the top portion. The comb 222 is retained within the pocket by friction fit and is able to be removed by the user by exerting a pulling force on the top portion, thus removing the comb 222 from the pocket.

A cavity 235 is formed within the base portion, front side portion, back side portion, top side portion, and bottom side portion of the container 201. A removable tray 270 may be inserted into the cavity. Preferably, the tray 270 contains the hair product 131. The tray 270 may contain different types of hair product 231, allowing a user to easily switch out the hair product he/she desires by removing and replacing the tray 270. The removable tray, as illustrated in FIG. 16, allows the hair product carrying case 200 to be reused when the hair product 231 is entirely removed from the tray 270. Preferably, the tray 270 is made of plastic.

As illustrated in FIGS. 14, 15, and 17, the bottom side of the lid 212 contains a downwardly extending rib 250 that is generally rectangular. The downwardly extending rib 250 contains a central portion 252 pivotally engaged to the downwardly extending rib 250 and containing an opening 254 in the center. The central portion 252 is generally rectangular and engaged to a biasing member that presses the central portion 252 outwardly from the rib 250. The rib 250 is received within a channel 264 disposed on the upper edge of the front side portion of the container 201. The channel 264 is centrally located on the upper edge of the front side portion of the container 201.

The interior portion of the channel 264 contains a protrusion that is received within the opening 254 of the central portion for keeping the lid 212 in the closed position. When a user presses on the top side of the lid 212, the rib 250 extends further into the channel 264, thus releasing the protrusion from the opening 254, allowing the rib 250 to exit the channel 264.

A handle 274 is disposed on the top side portion of the container 201. The handle 274 contains a first side and a second side, wherein the first side is engaged to an end of the top side portion and the second side is engaged to another end of the top side portion, wherein the first side and second side are the only two portions of the handle 274 engaged to the top side portion. The other portions of the handle 274 are spaced apart from the top side portion of the container 201 forming

The front side portion of the container 201 contains an indent 260 that is recessed from the side portion of the lid 212. The side portion of the container 201 that is not pivotally engaged to the lid 212 is flush with the upper edge of the front side portion of the container 201 when in the closed position, except for the area over the indent 260. The indent 260 allows the user to remove the comb 222 by inserting his or her fingernail into the trough 276 on the top portion of the comb 222 and pulling the comb 222 outwards from the slot 240 and pocket within. The user may also push up on the bottom side of the lid 212 transitioning the lid 212 from the closed position to the open position, such that the hair product 231 in the tray may be accessed.

The following definitions were used in this disclosure:

Anchor Point: As used in this disclosure, an anchor point is a location to which a first object can be securely attached to a second object.

Blade: As used in this disclosure, a blade is a term that is used to describe: 1) a wide and flat portion of a structure; or, 2) the cutting edge of a tool.

Bucked: As used in this disclosure, the term bucked means to deform the tail of a rivet such that the rivet can be held in place.

Carabiner: As used in this disclosure, a carabiner is coupling link that is usually formed as an oblong metal ring with one spring hinged side that is used to open and close the ring. Synonyms for carabiner include D-link.

Center: As used in this disclosure, a center is a point that is: 1) the point within a circle that is equidistant from all the points of the circumference; 2) the point within a regular polygon that is equidistant from all the vertices of the regular polygon; 3) the point on a line that is equidistant from the ends of the line; 4) the point, pivot, or axis around which something revolves; or, 5) the centroid or first moment of an area or structure. In cases where the appropriate definition or definitions are not obvious, the fifth option should be used in interpreting the specification.

Center Axis: As used in this disclosure, the center axis is the axis of a cylinder or cone like structure. When the center axes of two-cylinder or like structures share the same line they are said to be aligned. When the center axes of two-cylinder like structures do not share the same line they are said to be offset.

Center of Rotation: As used in this disclosure, the center of rotation is the point of a rotating plane that does not move with the rotation of the plane. A line within a rotating three-dimensional object that does not move with the rotation of the object is referred to as an axis of rotation.

Colloidal Suspension: As used in this disclosure, a colloidal suspension, or colloid for short, is a heterogeneous mixture of solute particles dissolved in a solvent. The colloidal suspension is referred to as heterogeneous because the distribution of the solute particles is not uniform through the solvent, usually because of the relatively large size of the particles.

Comb: As used in this disclosure, a comb is a toothed device that is used for detangling or otherwise arranging hair.

Compression Spring: As used in this disclosure, a compression spring is a wire coil that resists forces attempting to compress the wire coil in the direction of the center axis of the wire coil. The compression spring will return to its original position when the compressive force is removed.

Congruent: As used in this disclosure, congruent is a term that compares a first object to a second object. Specifically, two objects are said to be congruent when the perimeter, diameter, or shape of the first object can be superimposed over the perimeter, diameter, or shape of the second object such that the perimeter, diameter, or shape of the first object coincides, within manufacturing tolerances, with the perimeter, diameter, or shape of the second object.

Cylinder: As used in this disclosure, a cylinder is a geometric structure defined by two identical flat and parallel ends, also commonly referred to as bases, which are circular in shape and connected with a single curved surface, referred to in this disclosure as the face. The cross section of the cylinder remains the same from one end to another. The axis of the cylinder is formed by the straight line that connects the center of each of the two identical flat and parallel ends of the cylinder. In this disclosure, the term cylinder specifically means a right cylinder, which is defined as a cylinder wherein the curved surface perpendicularly intersects with the two identical flat and parallel ends.

Detent: As used in this disclosure, a detent is a device for positioning and holding one mechanical part in relation to another in a manner such that the device can be released by force applied to one or more of the parts.

Diameter: As used in this disclosure, a diameter of an object is a straight-line segment that passes through the center of an object. The line segment of the diameter is terminated at the perimeter or boundary of the object through which the line segment of the diameter runs.

Diastema: As used in this disclosure, a diastema is the space between two teeth.

Emulsion: As used in this disclosure, an emulsion is a dispersion of droplets or miscelles of a first liquid in a second liquid in which the first liquid and second liquid are not soluble or miscible.

Exterior: As used in this disclosure, the exterior is use as a relational term that implies that an object is not contained within the boundary of a structure or a space.

Gel: As used in this disclosure, a gel is a substance comprising mostly of liquid (by mass) that is trapped in a cross-linked network of proteins and peptides that exhibits the properties of a solid.

Interior: As used in this disclosure, the interior is use as a relational term that implies that an object is contained within the boundary of a structure or a space.

Loop: As used in this disclosure, a loop is the length of a first linear structure that is: 1) folded over and joined at the ends forming an enclosed space; or, 2) curved to form a closed or nearly closed space within the first linear structure. In both cases, the space formed within the first linear structure is such that a second linear structure such as a line, cord or a hook can be inserted through the space formed within the first linear structure. Within this disclosure, the first linear structure is said to be looped around the second linear structure.

Perimeter: As used in this disclosure, a perimeter is one or more curved or straight lines that bounds an enclosed area on a plane or surface. The perimeter of a circle is commonly referred to as a circumference.

Pivot: As used in this disclosure, a pivot is a rod or shaft around which an object rotates or swings.

Plate: As used in this disclosure, a plate is a smooth, flat and rigid object that has at least one dimension that: 1) is of uniform thickness; and 2) that appears thin relative to the other dimensions of the object. Plates often have a rectangular or disk like appearance. As defined in this disclosure, plates may be made of any material, but are commonly made of metal.

Slot: As used in this disclosure, a slot is a long narrow groove or aperture that is formed in an object.

Spatula: As used in this disclosure, a spatula is a roughly rectangular object that: 1) has a flat appearance in one dimension relative to the other two dimensions; and 2) has two rounded corners on at least one edge. The body of the spatula is referred to as the blade or paddle of the spatula. If a surface of the spatula is not confined to a plane, the spatula is said to be offset.

Spring: As used in this disclosure, a spring is a device that is used to store mechanical energy. This mechanical energy will often be stored by: 1) deforming an elastomeric material that is used to make the device; 2) the application of a torque to a rigid structure; or 3) a combination of the previous two items.

Tether: As used in this disclosure, a tether is a cord, line, chain, webbing, or strap that is attached to an object to restrict its movement.

Viscosity: As used in this disclosure, viscosity refers to the resistance of a liquid or an elastic material to deformation. Higher viscosity would refer to a greater resistance to flow or to deformation.

Viscous Colloid: As used in this disclosure, a viscous colloid is a colloid where the viscosity or flow rate of the colloid is such that the colloid can for all practical purposes be treated and contained as if it were a solid. In common usages, a viscous colloid is often referred to as a cream.

Viscous Emulsion: As used in this disclosure, a viscous emulsion is an emulsion where the viscosity or flow rate of the emulsion is such that the emulsion can for all practical purposes be treated and contained as if it were a solid. In common usages, a viscous emulsions is often referred to as a cream.

With respect to the above description, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationship for the various components of the invention described above and in FIGS. 1 through 8 include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function, and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the invention.

It shall be noted that those skilled in the art will readily recognize numerous adaptations and modifications which can be made to the various embodiments of the present invention which will result in an improved invention, yet all of which will fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the following claims. Accordingly, the invention is to be limited only by the scope of the following claims and their equivalents. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A hair product carrying case comprising: a container having a base portion, front side portion, back side portion, top side portion, and a bottom side portion; a lid pivotally engaged to the container; a cavity formed within the base portion, the front side portion, the back side portion, the top side portion, and the bottom side portion of the container; a tray disposed within the cavity adapted for use in storing a hair product and the hair product is in a form selected from the group consisting of a viscous emulsion, a viscous colloid, or a gel; and a comb is selectively secured within the container.
 2. The hair product carrying case according to claim 1, wherein the tray is removable.
 3. The hair product carrying case according to claim 1, wherein a slot is disposed on an exterior portion of the front side portion of the container for receiving the comb.
 4. The hair product carrying case according to claim 1, further comprising an indent on the front side portion of the container.
 5. The hair product carrying case according to claim 1, further comprising a handle.
 6. The hair product carrying case according to claim 1, further comprising a rib extending downwardly from the lid, a slot disposed within the upper edge of the front side portion for receiving the rib.
 7. A hair product carrying case comprising: a container having a base portion, front side portion, back side portion, top side portion, and a bottom side portion, wherein the front side portion, back side portion, top side portion, and bottom side portion extend to an upper edge; a lid pivotally engaged by a hinge to the upper edge of the back side portion of the container; a cavity formed within the base portion, the front side portion, the back side portion, the top side portion, and the bottom side portion of the container; a tray disposed within the cavity adapted for use in storing a hair product and the hair product is in a form selected from the group consisting of a viscous emulsion, a viscous colloid, or a gel; and a comb is selectively secured within the container. 